Reducing the risk of tooth injury in anterior maxillary interdental osteotomy for cleft lip and palate patients using a surgical navigation technique

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical feasibility of preventing tooth injury from anterior maxillary interdental osteotomy by using a surgical navigation technique. A retrospective review was conducted on cleft lip and palate patients treated with anterior maxillary osteotomy followed by distraction osteogenesis between August 2019 and May 2022. Patients operated on through image guidance were enrolled in the navigation group, while those who were operated on freehand were enrolled in the freehand group. Tooth injuries were identified on postoperative images. Linear and angular deviations of the osteotomy line were measured. Twelve patients were enrolled in the study, seven in the navigation group and five in the freehand group. Altogether, 24 osteotomy lines and 53 adjacent teeth were evaluated. The dental injury rate was 3% in the navigation group and 27% in the freehand group (P = 0.016). The average linear deviations (mean ± standard deviation) were 0.67 ± 0.30 mm and 2.05 ± 1.33 mm, respectively (P < 0.001), while the average angular deviations were 1.67 ± 0.68° and 11.41 ± 7.46°, respectively (P < 0.001). The results suggest that navigation was able to reduce the tooth injury risk compared with freehand interdental osteotomies in crowded dental arches.

GDF15 induces chemoresistance to oxaliplatin by forming a reciprocal feedback loop with Nrf2 to maintain redox homeostasis in colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Growth differentiating Factor 15 (GDF15) is linked to several cancers, but its effect on chemoresistance in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of GDF15 in the chemotherapeutic response of CRC patients to oxaliplatin (L-OHP).

METHODS

GDF15 levels in serum and tumour tissues were detected in CRC patients have received L-OHP-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The effects of GDF15 neutralization or GDF15 knockdown on cell proliferation, apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were analysed in vitro and in vivo. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays were used to explore the interaction between GDF15 and Nrf2.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that GDF15 alleviates oxidative stress to induce chemoresistance of L-OHP in CRC. Mechanically, GDF15 posttranscriptionally regulates protein stability of Nrf2 through the canonical PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway, and in turn, Nrf2 acts as a transcription factor to regulate GDF15 expression to form a positive feedback loop, resulting in the maintenance of redox homeostasis balance in CRC. Furthermore, a positive correlation between GDF15 and Nrf2 was observed in clinical CRC samples, and simultaneous overexpression of both GDF15 and Nrf2 was associated with poor prognosis in CRC patients treated with L-OHP. Simultaneous inhibition of both GDF15 and Nrf2 significantly increases the response to L-OHP in an L-OHP-resistant colorectal cancer cells-derived mouse xenograft model.

CONCLUSION

This study identified a novel GDF15-Nrf2 positive feedback loop that drives L-OHP resistance and suggested that the GDF15-Nrf2 axis is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of L-OHP-resistant CRC.

Laparoscopic training on virtual-reality simulators or live pigs-a randomized controlled trial

This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of virtual-reality (VR) simulator training and surgical training on live pigs to explore the most effective and evidence-based training modality.

Materials and methods

Thirty-six novice surgical residents without independent laparoscopic experience were randomly paired with a peer and randomized into three groups: VR simulator group (dyad training on LapSim VR simulators), pig surgery group (training on live, anesthetized pigs) and control group (training by a lecture on laparoscopic surgery, surgical videos and textbooks). After 6 h of training, all participants performed a simulated cholecystectomy procedure using a pig liver with adherent gallbladder working in pairs. All procedures were video-recorded and the recordings were saved on USB-sticks in a blinded fashion identifiable only by the unique participant number. All video-recordings were scored blindly and independently by two expert raters using the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) assessment instrument.

Results

The performances in the three groups were significantly different, P less than 0.001. Both the VR simulation training group and the live pigs training group performed significantly better than the control group, both P values less than 0.001. However, there was no significant difference in the performance of the two simulation-based training groups, P=0.66.

Conclusion

Novice surgical trainees can benefit from both VR simulator training and pig surgery simulation compared with traditional studying and there was no significant difference between the two modalities. The authors recommend that VR simulators should be used for basic training of laparoscopic skills and surgery on live animals should be reserved for higher-level surgical training.

A 2-Stage Root Analog Implant with Compact Structure, Uniform Roughness, and High Accuracy

Immediate implant placement has the advantages of shortening the operation time, reducing the treatment cycle and cost. At present, this technology has been used widely, but the indications of immediate implantation are still limited. Here, a novel type of root analog implant (RAI) was manufactured by selective laser melting technology to address the limitation. Under optimized condition, RAIs were printed with the internal density of 99.73% and the uniform surface roughness of 11 μm (Sa). Besides, the deviation between RAI specimen and design models is controlled within 0.15 mm after optimizing scanning parameters. The substrate printed could promote human bone marrow stromal cell proliferation, spreading, and osteogenic differentiation. The bone-implant contact (BIC, 75% ± 7%) and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV, 74% ± 7%) of RAIs were significantly higher than that of conventional implants (BIC, 66% ± 5%; BV/TV, 62% ± 5%) in in vivo experiments. Further, customized abutments were designed for the RAIs, improving the masticatory ability of the beagle dogs after crown restoration. This study aims to design a personalized 2-stage RAI with compact structure and uniform roughness, in order to achieve better fracture resistance, initial osseointegration efficiency, and dispersed stress in immediate implantation. It provides a certain guiding value for standardizing the manufacture and clinical application of RAI in immediate implantation.

An objective, quantitative, dynamic assessment of facial movement symmetry changes after orthognathic surgery

The aim of this study was to generate a quantitative dynamic assessment of facial movement symmetry changes after orthognathic surgery. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with skeletal class III malocclusion with facial asymmetry who underwent bimaxillary surgery were recruited. The patients were asked to perform a maximum smile that was recorded using a three-dimensional facial motion capture system preoperatively (T0), 6 months postoperatively (T1), and 12 months postoperatively (T2). Eleven facial landmarks were selected to analyse the cumulative distance and average speed during smiling. The absolute differences for the paired landmarks between the sides were analysed to reflect the symmetry changes. The results showed that the asymmetry index of the cheilions at T2 was significantly lower than that at T0 (P = 0.004), as was the index of the mid-lateral lower lips (P = 0.006). The mean difference in cheilions was 2.13 ± 1.41 mm at T0, 1.33 ± 1.09 mm at T1, and 1.00 ± 0.98 mm at T2. The facial total mobility at T1 was significantly lower than that at T0 (P < 0.001), while the total mobility at T2 was significantly higher than that at T1 (P = 0.012). The orthognathic surgical correction of facial asymmetry was able to improve the associated asymmetry of facial movements.

Veratramine ameliorates pain symptoms in rats with diabetic peripheral neuropathy by inhibiting activation of the SIGMAR1-NMDAR pathway

CONTEXT

Veratramine may have a potential therapeutic effect for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether veratramine ameliorates neuropathic pain in a rat diabetic model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were used for a diabetic model induced by a streptozotocin + high-fat diet. Two months after the induction of the diabetic model, the rats with DPN were screened according to the mechanical pain threshold. The rats with DPN were divided into a model group (n = 12) and a treated group (n = 12). Rats with diabetes, but without peripheral neuropathy, were used in the vehicle group (n = 9). The treatment group received 50 μg/kg veratramine via the tail vein once a day for 4 weeks. During modelling and treatment, rats in all three groups were fed a high-fat diet.

RESULTS

The mechanical withdrawal threshold increased from 7.5 ± 1.9 N to 17.9 ± 2.6 N in DPN rats treated with veratramine. The tolerance time of the treated group to hot and cold ectopic pain increased from 11.8 ± 4.2 s and 3.4 ± 0.8 s to 20.4 ± 4.1 s and 5.9 ± 1.7 s, respectively. Veratramine effectively alleviated L4-L5 spinal cord and sciatic nerve pathological injury. Veratramine inhibited the expression of SIGMAR1 and the phosphorylation of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) Ser896 site in spinal cord tissue, as well as inhibited the formation of SIGMAR1-NMDAR and NMDAR-CaMKII complexes.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Veratramine may alleviate the occurrence of pain symptoms in rats with DPN by inhibiting activation of the SIGMAR1-NMDAR pathway.

Intracorporeal reinforcement with barbed suture is associated with low anastomotic leakage rates after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer: a retrospective study

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of most severe postoperative complications following low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer, and has an adverse impact on postoperative recovery. The occurence of AL is associated with several factors, while few studies explored the role of intracorporeal barbed suture reinforcement in it.

Methods

Consecutive cases underwent laparoscopic LAR for rectal cancer from Mar. 2018 to Feb. 2021 in our center were retrospectively collected. Cases were classified into the intracorporeal barbed suture reinforcement group and the control group according to whether performing intracorporeal reinforcement with barbed suture, and AL incidences were compared between two groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was then performed based on identified risk factors to reduce biases from covariates between two groups. AL incidences in the matched cohort were compared.

Results

A total of 292 cases entered into the study, and AL incidences were significantly lower in the intracorporeal barbed suture reinforcement group compared with the control group (10.00% vs 2.82%, P = 0.024). Sex, BMI, preoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and anastomotic level were chose for PSM analyses based on previous studies. In the matched cohort, the AL incidences were still significantly lower in the intracorporeal barbed suture reinforcement group (10.57% vs 2.44%, SD = 0.334).

Conclusions

Intracorporeal barbed suture reinforcement is associated with low AL incidences after laparoscopic LAR for rectal cancer, which is a potential procedure for reducing AL and worthy of application clinically.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12893-022-01782-x.

[Progress of researches on albendazole for treatment of alveolar echinococcosis]

Alveolar echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus multilocularis infection, is a highly deadly zoonotic parasitic disease. As a benzimidazole compound, albendazole has a strong and broad-spectrum anti-parasitic action. For alveolar echinococcosis patients that are unwilling to receive surgical treatment, lose the timing for surgery, or are intolerant to surgery due to poor physical status, administration of albendazole may delay disease progression. Recently, a large number of advances have been achieved in experimental studies on alveolar echinococcosis. In order to increase the understanding of the therapeutic efficacy of albendazole for alveolar echinococcosis, this review summarizes the advances in albendazole treatment for alveolar echinococcosis, so as to provide insights into the clinical treatment of alveolar echinococcosis with albendazole.

Exosomes carried miR-181c-5p alleviates neuropathic pain in CCI rat models

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived exosomes (Exos) are one of the most promising candidate for the treatment of this condition. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains uncertain. Here we investigated the therapeutic effect of exosomal miR-181c-5p (ExomiR-181c-5p) on a rat model of neuropathic pain induced by sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI). In this study NP model was established using the CCI method. NP levels were assessed using PWT and PWL. Microarray analysis and RT-PCR were used to determine the relative expression of miR-181c-5p. MSC-derived exosomes were extracted using the total exosome isolation reagent characterized by WB and NTA. MiR-181c-5p was loading into Exos using electroporation. The inflammation response in microglia cells and CCI rats were assessed by ELISA assay respectively. Our study demonstrates that miR-181c-5p expression was obviously decreased in a time-dependent manner in CCI rats. MiR-181c-5p was effectively electroporated and highly detected in MSC-derived Exos. ExomiR-181c-5p internalized by microglia cells and inhibit the secretion of inflammation factors. ExomiR-181c-5p intrathecal administration alleviated neuropathic pain and neuroinflammation response in CCI rats. Taken together, ExomiR-181c-5p alleviated CCI-induced NP by inhibiting neuropathic inflammation. ExomiR-181c-5p may be a valid alternative for the treatment of neuropathic pain and has vast potential for future development.

Quercetin Alleviates Neuropathic Pain in the Rat CCI Model by Mediating AMPK/MAPK Pathway

Context

Quercetin (que) is one abundant flavonol with a variety of biological activities. Previous studies have shown quercetin can reduce neuropathic pain in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI).

Objective

To evaluate the effects of quercetin on neuropathic pain in CCI model and explore its underlying mechanism in vivo.

Materials and Methods

CCI model was established by ligating the sciatic nerve of right leg on the SD rats. They were divided into ten groups: sham group, CCI model, sham+ que, CCI+ que group (30, 60, 120 mg/kg), CCI+ AICAR, CCI+ que+ compound C, CCI+etoricoxib, and the control group. They were administered for 28 days, and were performed the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) during the experiment. At the end of the experiment, sciatic nerves and spinal cord segments of rats were collected, ELISA detected the expression of inflammatory factors, detected the microglia and astrocytes with fluorescence, and Western blot detected AMPK/MAPK pathway.

Results

Que could increase the MWT of CCI rats, improve the TWL of plantar, and reduce the inflammatory cells at the ligation site of the sciatic nerve. Also, que could reduce the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Western blotting results showed that p-38 MAPK, p-ERK, and p-JNK were activated in the spinal dorsal horn of CCI model group. After treatment with que and AMPK agonists, the phosphorylation levels of related proteins were inhibited. In addition, the analgesic effect of que was abolished when the AMPK inhibitor was added.

Discussion and Conclusion

Quercetin alleviated the inflammatory response of sciatic nerve and spinal dorsal horn in rats induced by CCI. Quercetin alleviates neuralgia in CCI rats by activating AMPK pathway and inhibiting MAPK pathway and its downstream targets, p-38, p-ERK, and p-JNK.

Endoscope-controlled maxillary sinus floor elevation: a review of the literature

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of endoscope-assisted maxillary sinus elevation. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database were searched for articles in English. Published studies involving patients who had undergone endoscope-assisted maxillary sinus floor augmentation were selected. The validity of the included articles was evaluated. After going through full texts, a total of 12 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. It was concluded that endoscope-controlled maxillary sinus floor elevation was a viable and beneficial method, providing direct visualisation of the integrity of the mucosa and placing of bone graft material. The endoscope could be inserted into the maxillary sinus lumen, subantral space below the Schneiderian membrane, or through the alveolar crest. With the endoscope, perforations can be detected and managed precisely. However, high-quality clinical trials are still needed to validate the predictability and advantages of this surgical procedure.

Comparative transcriptome profile analysis of rice varieties with different tolerance to zinc deficiency

Zinc (Zn) is an indispensable element for rice growth. Zn deficiency results in brown blotches and streaks 2-3 weeks after transplanting, as well as stunting, reduced tillering, and low productivity of rice plants. These processes are controlled by different families of expressed genes. A comparative transcriptome profile analysis was conducted using the roots of two Zn deficiency tolerant varieties (UCP122 and KALIBORO26) and two sensitive varieties (IR26 and IR64) by merging data from untreated control (CK) and Zn deficiency treated samples. Results revealed a total of 4,688 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the normal Zn and deficient conditions, with 2,702 and 1,489 unique DEGs upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis identified transcription factors (TFs), such as WRKY, MYB, ERF, and bHLH which are important in the regulation of the Zn deficiency response. Furthermore, chitinases, jasmonic acid, and phenylpropanoid pathways were found to be important in the Zn deficiency response. The metal tolerance protein (MTP) genes also appeared to play an important role in conferring tolerance to Zn deficiency. A heavy metal-associated domain-containing protein 7 was associated with tolerance to Zn deficiency and negatively regulated downstream genes. Collectively, our findings provide valuable expression patterns and candidate genes for the study of molecular mechanisms underlying the response to Zn deficiency and for improvements in breeding for tolerance to Zn deficiency in rice.

CCMAlnc Promotes the Malignance of Colorectal Cancer by Modulating the Interaction Between miR-5001-5p and Its Target mRNA

Objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly malignant and cancer metastasis remains the predominant cause of CRC death. The potential molecular mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) in CRC malignance is still poorly elucidated.

Methods

CCMAlnc expression was analyzed by using the Sequence ReadArchive (SRA) database. Target gene expression was examined by real-time PCR and Western blotting. The biological function of CCMAlnc and miR-5001-5p was detected by cell invasion, CCK8 proliferation, and colony formation assays in loss of function and gain of function experiments in vitro. A luciferase assay was performed to validate the target site of miR-5001-5p on the 3′-UTR of HES6 mRNA.

Results

CCMAlnc was identified as a novel functional lncRNA in CRC. Elevated CCMAlnc was detected in CRC cells as well as in clinical CRC tissue samples, and the expression of this lncRNA positively correlated with the poor prognosis of CRC patients. Functional validation assays revealed that downregulation of CCMAlnc impaired CRC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, but upregulation of CCMAlnc reversed this effect. Moreover, CCMAlnc was validated to act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that stabilizes the expression of HES6 by downregulating miR-5001-5p.

Conclusion

CCMAlnc/miR-5001-5p/HES6 signaling is strongly activated to promote CRC malignance. CCMAlnc is defined as a potential candidate biomarker for metastasis prediction in CRC patients and as a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.

[Comparison of different critical care scoring systems in prognosis evaluation of heat stroke]

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of different critical care scoring systems in 28-day survival rate of patients with heat stroke. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 71 patients with heat stroke admitted to the department of emergency medicine of Beijing Luhe Hospital. Capital Medical University from July 2015 to September 2018. The general information and the worst values of vital signs and related pathophysiological indicators within 24 hours were collected and the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) , multiple organ dysfunction (MODS) , simplified acute physiological scoreⅡ (SAPS Ⅱ) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ (APACHE Ⅱ) were calculated. The patients were divided into the survival group (n=45) and the non-survival group (n=26) according to 28-day prognosis, and the clinical data and scores of the two groups were compared.The ROC curve was drawn to analyze the evaluation value of each scoring system on the survival rate of patients at 28-day. Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival curve of patients. Results: There were no significant differences in age, sex, vital signs and laboratory parameters between two groups (P>0.05) . In non-survival patients, SOFA, SAPS Ⅱ, APACHE Ⅱ scores were significantly elevated in the survival group (P<0.05) . ROC curve analysis showed that the area under ROC curve (AUC) of SOFA score for predicting 28-day survival rate was the highest, which was significantly higher than the APACHE Ⅱ, SAPS Ⅱ, MODS score. When the best cut-off value of SOFA score was 9.0, the sensitivity was 84.6%, and the specificity was 71.1%. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that 28-day survival rate after hospital discharge in patients with SOFA score<9 (n=27) was significantly higher than that in patients with SOFA score ≥9.0 (χ(2)=1.0, P<0.01) . Conclusion: SOFA, APACHE Ⅱ, SAPS Ⅱ on admission have been proved to have good prognostic ability to predict 28-day prognosis in heat stroke patients. Among them, SOFA score system has more accurate prediction value.

Knockdown of lncRNA PCAI protects against cognitive decline induced by hippocampal neuroinflammation via regulating SUZ12

AIMS

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common postoperative complication that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, the mechanism of pathogenesis of POCD still remains largely unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the function and mechanism of lncRNA PCAI in POCD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Knockdown and overexpression studies were performed to analyze the function of lncRNA PCAI in cultured BV-2 cell lines treated with LPS to mimic the neuroinflammation. Real-time PCR, western blot, ELISA were used to determine the expression level of inflammation markers. Rescue experiment was performed to prove the relationship between PCAI and SUZ12.

RESULTS

We found that the expression of lncRNA PCAI was decreased with the increasing concentrations of LPS. Knockdown of lncRNA PCAI inhibited the cell death rates and attenuated the cell inflammation via ELISA and real-time PCR. Besides, downregulated of lncRNA PCAI can protect the mitochondrial function via membrane potential assay. Overexpression of lncRNA PCAI can promote the cell death and inflammation response induced by LPS. We also provided mechanism study about lncRNA PCAI that negatively regulating SUZ12. Rescue experiment also verified the results.

CONCLUSION

We performed comprehensive study of functional analysis of lncRNA PCAI in POCD and proved its mechanism, which negatively regulate SUZ12. Our study provided new clues for the clinical intervention and targets for POCD.

miR-384-5p ameliorates neuropathic pain by targeting SCN3A in a rat model of chronic constriction injury

Objective: To explore the potential regulation mechanisms of miR-384-5p in Neuropathic pain (NP).Methods: Rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) was established to induce NP in vivo. NP levels were assessed using Withdrawal Threshold (PWT) and Paw Withdrawal Latency (PWL). qPCR and Western blotting were used to determine the relative expression of miR-384-5p and SCN3A. The inflammation response in spinal microglia cells was determined by ELISA assay. Immunofluorescence assay was used to demonstrate the co-localization of miR-384-5p with SCN3A in rat dorsal root ganglions (DRGs). The target genes of miR-384-5p were verified by dual-luciferase report assays.Results: In the current study, the miR-384-5p expression level was significantly downregulated in CCI rats when comparing to the sham group. In addition, miR-384-5p agomir significantly repressed mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia in CCI rats. Meanwhile, the current study indicated miR-384-5p could decrease inflammation progress in spinal microglia cells incubated in lipopolysaccharide. Consistently, overexpression of miR-384-5p obviously depressed inflammation cytokine levels in CCI rats. Dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that SCN3A is a target gene of miR-384-5p.Conclusion: miR-384-5p is a negative regulator in the development of neuropathic pain by regulating SCN3A, indicating that miR-384-5p might be a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of neuropathic pain.Abbreviations: CCI: Chronic constriction injury; ZEB1: Zinc finger E box binding protein-1; MAPK6: Mitogen-activated protein kinase 6; COX-2: cyclooxygenase-2.

Oxyntomodulin attenuates TNF‑α induced neuropathic pain by inhibiting the activation of the NF‑κB pathway

Neuropathic pain is rarely diagnosed. Oxyntomodulin is peripherally and centrally distributed; however, the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of oxyntomodulin in attenuating nociception remain unclear; thus, we aimed to explore them in the present study. A neuropathic pain model in male C57BL/6 mice was induced by intrathecal injection of tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α), and the duration of nociceptive behavioral responses was measured with a stop‑watch timer within 30 min. Western blotting was used to explore the protein levels of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule‑1 (IBA1), nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) phosphorylated‑p65, interleukin (IL)‑6 and IL‑1β. We performed reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL‑6 and IL‑1β, respectively. An MTT assay was conducted to detect BV2 cell viability. Oxyntomodulin was observed to attenuate TNF‑α‑induced pain hypersensitivity in mice, as well as the expression of IBA1, NF‑κB p‑p65, IL‑6 and IL‑1β in the spinal cord. Oxyntomodulin exhibited no cytotoxicity on BV2 cells, and attenuated TNF‑α‑induced IL‑6 and IL‑1β production and release in BV2 cells and culture medium, respectively. Collectively, we proposed oxyntomodulin to attenuate TNF‑α induced neuropathic pain associated with the release of glial cytokines IL‑6 and IL‑1β via inhibiting the activation of the NF‑κB pathway.

Metallopanstimulin-1 (MPS-1) mediates the promotion effect of leptin on colorectal cancer through activation of JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway

Obesity is a major epigenetic cause for colorectal cancer (CRC). Leptin is implicated in obesity-associated CRC, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The current study identified over-expression of metallopanstimulin-1 (MPS-1) in CRC patients through microarray and histological analysis, especially in obese CRC patients. MPS-1 was correlated with advanced tumor stage, suggesting its association with CRC progression. In addition, MPS-1 over-expression was associated with poor overall survival (OS) in obese CRC patients, but not in their non-obese counterparts, suggesting its potential as a prognostic marker of obese CRC patients. MPS-1 expression was positively associated with circulating leptin levels in CRC patients, especially in obese cases. Functional experiments demonstrated that MPS-1 silencing inhibited tumor proliferation and colony formation, and induced apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro. Converse results were obtained from the experiments with MPS-1 over-expression. Mechanistically, MPS-1 executed its action through induction of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/c-Jun pathway. Moreover, the promotion effect of MPS-1 on CRC progression was modulated by leptin. In vivo studies demonstrated that MPS-1 silencing suppressed tumor growth of CRC via inhibiting JNK/c-Jun signaling. Collectively, this study indicates that MPS-1 promotes leptin-induced CRC via activating JNK/c-Jun pathway. MPS-1 might represent a potent candidate for the treatment and prognostic prediction of obesity-associated CRC.

Incremental clinical and economic burden of suspected respiratory infections due to multi-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the United States

BACKGROUND

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa can negatively affect patients and hospitals.

AIM

To evaluate excess mortality and cost burden among patients hospitalized with suspected respiratory infections due to MDR P. aeruginosa vs patients with non-MDR P. aeruginosa in 78 United States (US) hospitals.

METHODS

This study analyzed electronically captured microbiological and outcomes data of patients hospitalized with non-duplicate P. aeruginosa isolates from respiratory sources collected ≥3 days after admission to identify hospital-onset MDR or non-MDR P. aeruginosa per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition. The risk of multi-drug resistance was estimated on mortality, length of stay (LOS), cost, operation gain/loss, and 30-day readmission. A sensitivity analysis was conducted utilizing a cohort with pharmacy data available.

FINDINGS

Of 523 MDR and 1381 non-MDR P. aeruginosa cases, unadjusted mortality was 23.7% vs 18.0% and multi-variable-adjusted mortality was 20.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 14.3-27.2%) vs 15.5% (95% CI: 11.2-20.9%; P=0.026), the average adjusted excess LOS was 6.7 days (P<0.001); excess cost per case was US$22,370 higher (P=0.002) and operational loss per case was US$10,661 (P=0.024) greater, and the multi-variable adjusted readmission rate was 16.2% (95% CI: 11.2-22.9%) vs 11.1% (95% CI: 7.8-15.6%; P=0.006). The sensitivity analysis yielded similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with suspected infections due to non-MDR P. aeruginosa, patients with MDR P. aeruginosa had higher risk of mortality, readmission, and longer LOS, as well as US$20,000 incremental cost and >US$10,000 incremental net loss per case after controlling for patient and hospital characteristics.

CCAT1 lncRNA Promotes Inflammatory Bowel Disease Malignancy by Destroying Intestinal Barrier via Downregulating miR-185-3p

BACKGROUND

The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) colon cancer-associated transcript-1 (CCAT1) has been reported to play a vital role in the development of cancer. Although the link between inflammation and cancer initiation is well established, whether CCAT1 is involved in inflammation and promotes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) malignancy remains undetermined. We aimed to investigate the expression of CCAT1 in IBD and the effect of CCAT1 overexpression on intestinal epithelial barrier function.

METHODS

The relationship between CCAT1 and the inflammation-related pathway was analyzed in both colorectal cancer (CRC) and IBD patients. Gene expression was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FD-4 flux measurement were used to test the effect of CCAT1 and miR-185-3p on intestinal epithelial barrier function. Luciferase assay was performed to validate the target site of miR-185-3p on 3'-UTR of MLCK mRNA.

RESULTS

Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that several inflammation-related genes were enriched in the CCAT1 high-expressed group of CRC patients. The relationship between CCAT1 and inflammation activation in IBD patients was further confirmed. CCAT1 expression positively correlated with MLCK, which acts as a protein kinase to phosphorylate myosin light chain and induces tight junction protein distribution, whereas it was negatively correlated with miR-185-3p in IBD tissues. We also determined that CCAT1 overexpression increased Caco-2 monolayer permeability and upregulated MLCK. Furthermore, CCAT1-induced MLCK overexpression and IBD disease progression were significantly attenuated by miR-185-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

The CCAT1/miR-185-3p/MLCK signaling pathway is strongly activated to destroy barrier function and promotes the pathogenesis of IBD.

Risks of colorectal neoplasms and cardiovascular thromboembolic events after the combined use of selective COX-2 inhibitors and aspirin with 5-year follow-up: a meta-analysis

AIM

We aimed to evaluate the association between selective COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs) and the risk of colorectal neoplasms and vascular events with and without low-dose aspirin.

METHOD

We searched for randomized controlled trials and comparative studies in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases using pertinent key terms. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for each study with a fixed- or random-effects model.

RESULTS

Eight clinical studies with 44 566 subjects were eligible. The use of coxib significantly reduced the overall risk of colorectal neoplasms by 21% (RR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.70-0.89; P = 0.000). The chemopreventive effect of coxibs was beneficial in the first year (RR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.94; P = 0.013), marginal in the third year (RR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.63-1.01; P = 0.059) and counterproductive in the fifth year (RR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.23-2.21; P = 0.001). Compared with the use of aspirin alone, combined use of coxib and aspirin for 3 years increased the risk of a colorectal neoplasm by 80% in the fifth year (RR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.22-2.66; P = 0.003) but decreased by 79% and 30%, respectively, the risks of cardiovascular thromboembolic events (RR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.33-2.41; P = 0.0001) and renal impairment/hypertension (RR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.09-1.54; P = 0.003) caused by coxib use alone.

CONCLUSION

Coxibs may reduce the overall risk of colorectal neoplasms, but the chemopreventive effects are attenuated over time. When participants take low-dose aspirin simultaneously, coxibs may not be useful for chemoprevention of colorectal neoplasm.

Attributable clinical and economic burden of carbapenem-non-susceptible Gram-negative infections in patients hospitalized with complicated urinary tract infections

BACKGROUND

Gram-negative complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) can have serious consequences for patients and hospitals.

AIM

To examine the clinical and economic burden attributable to Gram-negative carbapenem-non-susceptible (C-NS; resistant/intermediate) infections compared with carbapenem-susceptible (C-S) infections in 78 US hospitals.

METHODS

All non-duplicate C-NS and C-S urine source isolates were analysed. A subset had principal diagnosis ICD-9-CM codes denoting cUTI. Collection time (<3 vs ≥3 days after admission) determined isolate classification as community or hospital onset. Mortality, 30-day re-admissions, length of stay (LOS), hospital cost and net gain/loss in US dollars were determined for C-NS and C-S cases, with the C-NS-attributable burden estimated through propensity score matching. Three subgroups with adequate patient numbers were analysed: cUTI principal diagnosis, community onset; other principal diagnosis, community onset; and other principal diagnosis, hospital onset.

FINDINGS

The C-NS-attributable mortality risk was significantly higher (58%) for the other principal diagnosis, hospital-onset subgroup alone (odds ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.14-2.20; P < 0.01). The C-NS-attributable risk for 30-day re-admission ranged from 29% to 55% (all P < 0.05). The average attributable economic impact of C-NS was 1.1-3.9 additional days LOS (all P < 0.05), US$1512-10,403 additional total cost (all P < 0.001) and US$1582-11,848 net loss (all P < 0.01); overall burden and C-NS-attributable burden were greatest in the other principal diagnosis, hospital-onset subgroup.

CONCLUSION

Greater clinical and economic burden was observed in propensity-score-matched patients with C-NS infections compared with C-S infections, regardless of whether cUTI was the principal diagnosis, and this burden was most severe in hospital-onset infections.

Jagged-1 attenuates LPS-induced apoptosis and ROS in rat intestinal epithelial cells

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, non-specific inflammatory disease that occurs in the colonic mucosa. This study investigated the role of the Notch pathway in affecting the pathogenesis of UC and regulating intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis. Caspase-3 activity was measured and flow cytometry was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and Ki-67 expression. Flow cytometry was applied to detect apoptosis, proliferation, and ROS content. Under LPS stimulation conditions, the IEC-6 cells were divided into 3 groups, including control, 5 and 10 μg/mL Jagged-1 protein pretreatment. The mRNA and protein expressions of Jagged-1, Notch1, Hes1, and OLFM4 in colon tissues were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The ROS production, Ki-67 expression, and caspase-3 activity were significantly increased, and Jagged-1, Notch1, Hes1, and OLFM4 mRNA and protein levels were obviously elevated in the colon tissue of UC model rats compared with control. LPS treatment apparently up-regulated Jagged-1, Notch1, and OLFM4 expression in IEC-6 cells, resulting in marked enhancement in apoptosis and ROS generation, and reduction of proliferation. Administration of Jagged-1 before LPS stimulation further upregulated the expressions of Notch1 and OLFM4 in IEC cells, weakened apoptosis and ROS production, and alleviated the inhibitory effect of LPS on IEC-6 cell proliferation. UC lesions can activate the Notch signaling pathway in colon tissue, which may play a role in emergency repair. Upregulation of the Notch signaling pathway significantly reduced inflammatory stimuli-induced apoptosis and ROS generation in intestinal epithelial cells, resulting in increased cell proliferation.

A novel three-dimensional printed guiding device for electrode implantation of sacral neuromodulation

AIM

The aim was to test the feasibility of a novel three-dimensional (3D) printed guiding device for electrode implantation of sacral neuromodulation (SNM).

METHOD

A 3D printed guiding device for electrode implantation was customized to patients' anatomy of the sacral region. Liquid photopolymer was selected as the printing material. The details of the device designation and prototype building are described. The guiding device was used in two patients who underwent SNM for intractable constipation. Details of the procedure and the outcomes are given.

RESULTS

With the help of the device, the test needle for stimulation was placed in the target sacral foramen successfully at the first attempt of puncture in both patients. The time to implant a tined SNM electrode was less than 20 min and no complications were observed. At the end of the screening phase, symptoms of constipation were relieved by more than 50% in both patients and permanent stimulation was established.

CONCLUSION

The customized 3D printed guiding device for implantation of SNM is a promising instrument that facilitates a precise and quick implantation of the electrode into the target sacral foramen.

Aberrant Thalamocortical Connectivity in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional connectivity (FC) of thalamic subdivisions in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data were acquired from 22 JME and 25 healthy controls. We first divided the thalamus into eight subdivisions by performing independent component analysis on tracking fibers and clustering thalamus-related FC maps. We then analyzed abnormal FC in each subdivision in JME compared with healthy controls, and we investigated their associations with clinical features. Eight thalamic sub-regions identified in the current study showed unbalanced thalamic FC in JME: decreased FC with the superior frontal gyrus and enhanced FC with the supplementary motor area in the posterior thalamus increased thalamic FC with the salience network (SN) and reduced FC with the default mode network (DMN). Abnormalities in thalamo-prefrontocortical networks might be related to the propagation of generalized spikes with frontocentral predominance in JME, and the network connectivity differences with the SN and DMN might be implicated in emotional and cognitive defects in JME. JME was also associated with enhanced FC among thalamic sub-regions and with the basal ganglia and cerebellum, suggesting the regulatory role of subcortical nuclei and the cerebellum on the thalamo-cortical circuit. Additionally, increased FC with the pallidum was positive related with the duration of disease. The present study provides emerging evidence of FC to understand that specific thalamic subdivisions contribute to the abnormalities of thalamic-cortical networks in JME. Moreover, the posterior thalamus could play a crucial role in generalized epileptic activity in JME.

Abstract P5-16-07: Non-anthracycline-containing docetaxel plus cyclophosphomide was inferior to docetaxel, anthracycline and cyclophosphomide in neoadjuvant treatment of triple negative or HER2 positive breast cancer: Long term follow-up result from NATT study

This abstract was not presented at the symposium.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium report, data summary of 50 countries for 2010-2015: Device-associated module

BACKGROUND

We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2010-December 2015 in 703 intensive care units (ICUs) in Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific.

METHODS

During the 6-year study period, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI), we collected prospective data from 861,284 patients hospitalized in INICC hospital ICUs for an aggregate of 3,506,562 days.

RESULTS

Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the INICC medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection, 4.1 per 1,000 central line-days, was nearly 5-fold higher than the 0.8 per 1,000 central line-days reported from comparable US ICUs, the overall rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia was also higher, 13.1 versus 0.9 per 1,000 ventilator-days, as was the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection, 5.07 versus 1.7 per 1,000 catheter-days. From blood cultures samples, frequencies of resistance of Pseudomonas isolates to amikacin (29.87% vs 10%) and to imipenem (44.3% vs 26.1%), and of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates to ceftazidime (73.2% vs 28.8%) and to imipenem (43.27% vs 12.8%) were also higher in the INICC ICUs compared with CDC-NHSN ICUs.

CONCLUSIONS

Although DA-HAIs in INICC ICU patients continue to be higher than the rates reported in CDC-NSHN ICUs representing the developed world, we have observed a significant trend toward the reduction of DA-HAI rates in INICC ICUs as shown in each international report. It is INICC's main goal to continue facilitating education, training, and basic and cost-effective tools and resources, such as standardized forms and an online platform, to tackle this problem effectively and systematically.

Cyclin G2 inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by disrupting Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has the highest mortality rate among gynecological malignancies owing to poor screening methods, non-specific symptoms and limited knowledge of the cellular targets that contribute to the disease. Cyclin G2 is an unconventional cyclin that acts to oppose cell cycle progression. Dysregulation of the cyclin G2 gene (CCNG2) in a variety of human cancers has been reported; however, the role of cyclin G2 in tumorigenesis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the function of cyclin G2 in EOC. In vitro and in vivo studies using several EOC-derived tumor cell lines revealed that cyclin G2 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and spheroid formation, as well as tumor formation and invasion. By interrogating cDNA microarray data sets, we found that CCGN2 mRNA is reduced in several large cohorts of human ovarian carcinoma when compared with normal ovarian surface epithelium or borderline tumors of the ovary. Mechanistically, cyclin G2 was found to suppress epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as demonstrated by the differential regulation of various EMT genes, such as Snail, Slug, vimentin and E-cadherin. Moreover, cyclin G2 potently suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by downregulating key Wnt components, namely LRP6, DVL2 and β-catenin, which could be linked to inhibition of EMT. Taken together, our novel findings demonstrate that cyclin G2 has potent tumor-suppressive effects in EOCs by inhibiting EMT through attenuating Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Feeding glycerol-enriched yeast culture improves lactation performance, energy status, and hepatic gluconeogenic enzyme expression of dairy cows during the transition period

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding glycerol-enriched yeast culture (GY) on feed intake, lactation performance, blood metabolites, and expression of some key hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes in dairy cows during the transition period. Forty-four multiparous transition Holstein cows were blocked by parity, previous 305-d mature equivalent milk yield, and expected calving date and randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments: Control (no additive), 2 L/d of GY (75.8 g/L glycerol and 15.3 g/L yeast), 150 g/d of glycerol (G; 0.998 g/g glycerol), and 1 L/d of yeast culture (Y; 31.1 g/L yeast). All additives were top-dressed and hand mixed into the upper one-third of the total mixed ration in the morning from -14 to +28 d relative to calving. Results indicated that the DMI, NE intake, change of BCS, and milk yields were not affected by the treatments ( > 0.05). Supplementation of GY or Y increased milk fat percentages, milk protein percentages, and milk protein yields relative to the Control or G group ( < 0.05). Cows fed GY or G had higher glucose levels and lower β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and NEFA levels in plasma than cows fed the Control ( < 0.05) and had lower NEFA levels than cows fed Y ( < 0.05). On 14 d postpartum, cows fed GY or G had higher enzyme activities, mRNA, and protein expression of cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C; < 0.05); higher enzyme activities ( < 0.05) and a tendency toward higher mRNA expression ( < 0.10) of glycerol kinase (GK); and a tendency toward higher enzyme activities of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) in the liver ( < 0.10) when compared with cows fed Control or Y. The enzyme activities, mRNA, and protein expression of PEPCK-C, PC, and GK did not differ between cows fed GY and G ( > 0.10). In conclusion, dietary GY or Y supplementation increased the milk fat and protein content of the cows in early lactation and GY or G supplementation improved the energy status as indicated by greater plasma glucose and lower plasma BHBA and NEFA concentrations and upregulated the hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes of dairy cows during the transition period. Feeding cows with a GY mixture in the peripartum period combined the effects of yeast on lactation performance and the effects of glycerol on energy status in dairy cows.

Role of thalamic nuclei in the modulation of Fos expression within the cerebral cortex during hypertonic saline-induced muscle nociception

It has been proposed that thalamic mediodorsal (MD) and ventromedial (VM) nuclei form thalamic 'nociceptive discriminators' in discrimination of nociceptive afferents, and specifically govern endogenous descending facilitation and inhibition. The present study conducted in rats was to explore the role of thalamic MD and VM nuclei in modulation of cerebral neuronal activities by means of detection of spatiotemporal variations of Fos expression within the cerebral cortex. Following a unilateral intramuscular injection of 5.8% saline into the gastrocnemius muscle, Fos expression within the bilateral, different areas of the cerebral cortex except S2 was significantly increased (P<0.05). Particularly, the increases in Fos expression within the cingulate cortex and the insular cortex occurred at 0.5h, 4h and reached the peak level at 4h, 16h, respectively. Electrolytic lesion of the contralateral thalamic MD and VM nuclei significantly blocked the 5.8% saline intramuscularly induced increases in Fos expression within the bilateral cingulate and insular cortices, respectively. Additionally, the 5.8% saline-induced Fos expression in the cingulate cortex and the insular cortex were dose-dependently attenuated by microinjection of μ-opioid antagonist β-funaltrexamine hydrochloride into the thalamic MD and VM nuclei. It is suggested that (1) the neural circuits of 'thalamic MD nucleus - cingulate cortex' and 'thalamic VM nucleus - insular cortex' form two distinct pathways in the endogenous control of nociception, (2) mirror or contralateral pain is hypothesized to be related to cross-talk of neuronal activities within the bilateral cerebral cortices modulated by μ-opioid receptors within the thalamic MD and VM nuclei.

[Impact of lysosome-associated protein transmembrane-4 beta on proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether lysosome-associated protein transmembrane-4 beta (LAPTM4B) over-expression is associated with the proliferation and invasion in colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

Thirty pairs of CRC tissues, containing carcinoma and adjacent tissues, were used for the examination of LAPTM4B mRNA expression by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays. Then immunohistochemistry was performed to examine LAPTM4B protein expression in 6 pairs of CRC tissues. Over-expression LAPTM4B and low-expression LAPTM4B cell models were constructed with HCT116 CRC cell lines. CCK8 assay was used to detect the proliferation and Transwell assay was used to detect the invasion of the model cells.

RESULTS

qPCR and immunohistochemistry results showed that LAPTM4B expression levels in CRC were higher compared to adjacent tissues (all P<0.01). CCK8 and Transwell assays results showed that LAPTM4B promoted proliferation and invasion of HCT116 cell lines model cells (all P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

LAPTM4B promotes the proliferation and invasion in CRC patients, and may be used as an important potential marker.

Feeding glycerol-enriched yeast culture improves performance, energy status, and heat shock protein gene expression of lactating Holstein cows under heat stress

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemental common yeast culture (CY) and glycerol-enriched yeast culture (GY) on performance, plasma metabolites, antioxidant status, and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA expression in lactating Holstein cows under heat stress. During summer months, 30 healthy multiparous lactating cows (parity 3.25 ± 0.48; 60 ± 13 d in milk [DIM]; 648 ± 57 kg BW; an average milk yield of 33.8 ± 1.6 kg/d) were blocked by parity, previous milk yield, and DIM and randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments: no supplemental yeast culture (Control), 1 L/d of CY (33.1 g yeast) per cow, and 2 L/d of GY (153.2 g glycerol and 31.6 g yeast) per cow. During the 60-d experiment, values of air temperature and relative humidity inside the barn were recorded hourly every 3 d to calculate temperature-humidity index (THI). Weekly rectal temperatures (RT) and respiration rates and daily DMI and milk yield were recorded for all cows. Milk and blood samples were taken twice monthly, and BW and BCS were obtained on d 0 and 60. In this experiment, THI values indicated cows experienced a moderate heat stress. Cows supplemented with CY and GY had greater yields of milk, energy-corrected milk and milk fat, and milk fat percent but lower HSP70 mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes than Control cows (P < 0.05). Supplementing CY and GY tended (P < 0.15) to decrease RT at 1400 h, increase milk protein yield and erythrocyte glutathione, and reduce plasma urea nitrogen compared with Control. Lower plasma NEFA concentration and HSP70 mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes (P < 0.05) and tendencies towards greater plasma glucose concentration (P = 0.11) but less BW loss (P = 0.14) were observed in GY relative to CY cows. In conclusion, either CY or GY supplementation partially mitigated the negative effects of heat stress on performance and HSP70 mRNA expression of lactating cows, and GY supplementation provided additional improvements in energy status and HSP70 gene expression of lactating cows.

Gene expression profile and enrichment pathways in different stages of bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is a highly heterogeneous neoplasm. We examined the gene expression profile in 3 bladder cancer stages (Ta, T1, T2) using expression microarray analysis of 40 bladder tumors. Differentially expressed genes were found by the t-test, with <0.005 as the significance threshold. KEGG pathway-enrichment analysis was used to study the signaling pathways of the genes. We found 36 genes that could be used as molecular markers for predicting the transition from Ta-T1 to T1-T2. Among these, 11 overlapped between Ta-T1 and T1-T2 stages. Six genes were down-regulated at the Ta-T1 stage, but were up-regulated at the T1-T2 stage (ANXA5, ATP6V1B2, CTGF, GEM, IL13RA1, and LCP1); 5 genes were up-regulated at the Ta-T1 stage, but down-regulated at the T1-T2 stage (ACPP, GNL1, RIPK1, RAPGEF3, and ZER1). Another 25 genes changed relative expression levels at the T1-T2 stage. These genes (including COL1A1, COL1A2, FN1, ITGA5, LGALS1, SPP1, VIM, POSTN, and COL18A1) may be involved in bladder cancer progression by affecting extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and focal adhesion. The cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, and calcium-signaling pathway were associated with bladder cancer progression at both the Ta-T1 and T1-T2 stages.

Comparison of the pharmacokinetics of imipenem after intravenous and intrathecal administration in rabbits

BACKGROUND

Intrathecal administration of antibiotics has potentially high effectiveness for the treatment for severe intracranial infections, particularly nosocomial meningitis. The use of intrathecal injection of antibiotics has been reported mostly in case reports. However, there is sparse data regarding the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics after intrathecal administration.

AIM

This study investigated whether intrathecal injection is an effective method for the administration of imipenem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pharmacokinetics of imipenem after intrathecal and intravenous administration of 1:1 imipenem: cilastatin (IMI/CIL) to rabbits were compared.

RESULTS

The AUC0-t in the cerebrospinal fluid for intrathecal administration was approximately twice that of an equal dose of intravenous administration at doses of 0.35, 0.7, and 1.4 mg/kg. Brain concentrations of imipenem after intrathecal injection were three times greater than observed after intravenous injection and remained high for at least 8 hours post-injection. Elimination of imipenem after administration by either route was primarily via urine, but a transient surge of imipenem in bile and intestinal tissue was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that there is a clinical potential for intrathecally administered IMI/CIL. Further studies are warranted to investigate the potential for seizure and to assess the translatability of the rabbit model to human treatment.

RNAi-mediated knockdown of pituitary tumor- transforming gene-1 (PTTG1) suppresses the proliferation and invasive potential of PC3 human prostate cancer cells

Pituitary tumor-transforming gene-1 (PTTG1) is a proto-oncogene that promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in numerous cell types and is overexpressed in a variety of human tumors. We have demonstrated that PTTG1 expression was up-regulated in both human prostate cancer specimens and prostate cancer cell lines. For a more direct assessment of the function of PTTG1 in prostate tumorigenesis, RNAi-mediated knockdown was used to selectively decrease PTTG1 expression in PC3 human prostate tumor cells. After three weeks of selection, colonies stably transfected with PTTG1-targeted RNAi (the knockdown PC3 cell line) or empty vector (the control PC3 cell line) were selected and expanded to investigate the role of PTTG1 expression in PC3 cell growth and invasion. Cell proliferation rate was significantly slower (28%) in the PTTG1 knockdown line after 6 days of growth as indicated by an MTT cell viability assay (P < 0.05). Similarly, a soft agar colony formation assay revealed significantly fewer (66.7%) PTTG1 knockdown PC3 cell colonies than control colonies after three weeks of growth. In addition, PTTG1 knockdown resulted in cell cycle arrest at G1 as indicated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The PTTG1 knockdown PC3 cell line also exhibited significantly reduced migration through Matrigel in a transwell assay of invasive potential, and down-regulation of PTTG1 could lead to increased sensitivity of these prostate cancer cells to a commonly used anticancer drug, taxol. Thus, PTTG1 expression is crucial for PC3 cell proliferation and invasion, and could be a promising new target for prostate cancer therapy.